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NATOCHANNEL.TV
Part 1
Part2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Overview
Scanning the Seas
First Contact The
root of the problem
Distress Call
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Covering Vast Distances Raising
the Alarm Working
Together Situational Awareness
Effects
Video Interview with
Cdr C. Davies on CNBC
(08 Apr 09)
•Video Interview with Cdr C. Davies on BBC World (15
Apr 09) for
pc or
mac
•Video Interview with Cdr C. Davies on BBC World (18
Apr 09) for
pc or
mac
•Nato
forces capture Somali pirates
on BBC News (06 May 09)
•Audio
Interview
with Cdr C. Davies
on BBC News (02 May 09)
29 Jul 09
Peace medal for crew of the HNLMS De Zeven
Provincien
On
17th July 2009 the crew of the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën
received the national peace medal on their return to their home port of
Den Helder, The Netherlands after a successful counter piracy mission
off the coast of Somalia.The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Peter Van Uhm,
presented the first medals on the helicopter deck of the ship.
While in the Gulf of Aden the HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën helped with the
arrest of Somali pirates who tried to hijack a German warship. In April,
they helped to free 16 Yemenis from Somali pirates and at the end of
June they also provided assistance to the crew of the MV Marathon after
they were released by pirates. The MV Marathon was hijacked for 7 weeks.
HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën was part of SNMG1 which was involved in NATO's
counter piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector in the Gulf of Aden
from 24th March 09 until 29th June 09.
27 Jul 09
Multinational effort turns heat on the pirates
Close
cooperation between NATO units and other forces is disrupting pirate
activities in the Gulf of Aden. Key to this success has been the ability
of naval and air assets from different nations to respond rapidly to any
detection of pirate activity.
To emphasise this, on 24th July, the Turkish warships GEDIZ, deployed as
part of
NATO’s counter piracy effort was alerted to the presence of a pirate
skiff by a German maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) working on behalf of
the EU Maritime Force. With the presence of pirate equipment on board,
as well as weapons, it was clear that his particular vessel was intent
on boarding and hijacking a merchant ship.
As GEDIZ responded, the helicopter from the Indian warship GODAVARI,
also in the area, circled the pirates at close quarters despite being
fired upon by small arms. Further helicopter support was also provided
by the Turkish warship, GAZIANTEP working as part of the multinational
Force. Following a high speed chase and the firing of warning shots the
pirate
skiff
was eventually stopped and boarded by forces from the GEDIZ. With much
of their equipment having been ditched overboard prior to boarding it
was clear that another pirate attack had been disrupted.
The Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), Commodore Steve
Chick (Royal Navy) said “This episode is an outstanding example of the
close cooperation that exists between NATO and the other allied and
multinational forces in the region. The fact that GEDIZ was able to
rapidly coordinate the activities of units from 4 different Task Forces
into a cohesive plan is not only testament to that ship but also to the
international resolve to defeat piracy.”
As part of the same incident GODAVARI went on to board a dhow that was
suspected of being a pirate mother ship. Nothing was found onboard and
the vessel was later released.
These
events follow on from successes by HMS Cornwall who recently gave chase
to a pirate skiff after being cued onto it by a French MPA. With clear
evidence of pirate paraphernalia on board the NATO flagship pursued the
pirates for 2 hours at 28 knots before forcing them to stop. Although
the sea state prevented the vessel from being boarded, the pirates had
jettisoned all their weapons and equipment in to the sea to avoid
prosecution.
HMS Cornwall’s Commanding Officer, Commander Johnny Ley (Royal Navy)
said, “Although it is obviously disappointing that we did not manage to
seize their pirate equipment ourselves we achieved the same objective in
the end. Indeed, forcing the pirates to dispose of their own equipment
and weapons reinforces the important lesson that NATO has capability and
determination to intervene and will do so in a robust manner whenever a
pirate craft is detected.”
Press Release
13 Jul 09
NATO units conduct essential escorting role
London:
Ships of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 have been busy conducting
essential escorting of vulnerable shipping in the Gulf of Aden.
HMS CORNWALL successfully escorted the World Food Programme chartered
vessel JAIKUR II from port of Berbera to Boosaaso in the Puntland region
of Somalia.
The Task Force Commander, Commodore Steve Chick Royal Navy said ‘Without
the escort provided by naval forces this essential life line would
falter. The work CORNWALL is conducting today follows NATO’s long term
commitment to supporting the World Food Programme that started with
Operation Allied Provider’.
The 8000 tonne JAIKUR II carried essential food and medical supplies
including 4000 tonnes of wheat and maize; enough to feed 20 – 40,000
people for up to 6 months. In addition 923 medical kits were embarked.
This made the ship a prize target for pirates who in the past have
seized World Food Programme ships and denied their life sustaining
supplies to the stricken population.
Other ships of the Task Force have also been conducting escort of
vulnerable shipping through the International Recommended Transit
Corridor. Most recently the Italian Warship LIBECCIO protected the
Bulgarian flagged vessel SMOLYAN during its passage through the
dangerous waters of the Gulf of Aden. Commodore Chick said ‘It is gritty
work, demanding utmost vigilance if our ships are to be ready to react
to the attacks by pirates made with little, or no, warning time. The
SNMG2 units however are up for the task and will respond robustly to any
attack encountered’.
Press Release
09 Jul 09
NATO units join the fray
Gulf
of Aden. 9 July. Units of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 have joined
the allied and multinational maritime efforts in combating piracy in the
Gulf of Aden. The 5 NATO ships arrived in theatre on 30 June and have
since been busy patrolling the Internationally Recommended Transit
Corridor (IRTC) that has been implemented to improve the safety of
shipping in these dangerous waterways.
The Commander of the NATO Task Force, Commodore Steve Chick Royal Navy,
said ‘Trying to locate and identify a small pirate skiff amongst large
numbers of small craft conducting their legitimate business in one of
the world busiest shipping lanes is a real challenge. It is a careful
balancing act of concentrating our resources where they are most needed
whilst providing protection and reassurance elsewhere’
As if to emphasize the point, the Turkish warship GEDIZ was involved in
an incident on 8 July 09, while providing close escort to a vulnerable
Romanian flagged ship through the transit corridor. The (coincidentally)
Turkish flagged, bulk carrier HORIZON 1 reported that she was under
attack by a pirate skiff just 6 miles away. Unable to leave her charge,
GEDIZ launched her helicopter to intervene. Despite the rapid response
by both ship and helicopter, the pirates were able to seize control of
the HORIZON 1 by threatening the crew with weapons. The whole incident
from initial alert to seizure completed in just 21 minutes. GEDIZ was
rapidly supported by the Greek warship NAVARINON who took over the
escort role while GEDIZ remained in company with the HORIZON 1.
The NATO ships are here in support of UN security resolutions designed
to disrupt piracy activities. They joined a growing armada of warships
from around the world including Russia, India, China and Singapore as
well as those from traditional alliances, including the European Union
Maritime Force.
NATO has a long history of co-operation between navies and SNMG2 itself
consists of 5 ships from as many nations that are fully integrated and
capable of working seamlessly together. The ships are well equipped and
have undergone extensive training for this task. Even so, they can not
be everywhere at once and have to concentrate their efforts where it is
most needed. Often that means escorting ships that are particularly
vulnerable to attack or perhaps operating as part of the World Food
Programmed providing essential supplies to Somalia.
Press Release
08 Jul 09
MV HORIZON 1 hijacked
At
0525z this morning, the Turkish flagged and owned 21000 ton bulk carrier
MV HORIZON I was hijacked in the International Recommended Transit
Corridor. The Turkish Naval Vessel GEDIZ (one of the 5 NATO ships of
Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2)) was escorting the MV ALBATROSS
at the time of the hijack. After securing an alternative escort for the
ALBATROSS, the GEDIZ responded and deployed its helicopter which
reported up to 5 pirates on board directing crew with weapons.
This is the first hijack since the MV Charelle was taken on 12 June from
inside Omani Territorial Waters, and also the first since SNMG2 assumed
responsibility for the NATO counter piracy mission, Operation Allied
Protector.
01 Jul 2009
SNMG1, Bows North
London.
30 Jun 09. Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) has completed their 96
days engaged with the NATO counter piracy mission, Operation Allied
Protector. Currently sailing north along the Red Sea, they leave these
troubled waters in the safe hands of SNMG2.
SNMG1’s time has been busy and varied, ranging from the escort of 28
vessels in the severe risk category, 5 vessels carrying critical
supplies to ISAF and 3 vessels carrying vital humanitarian aid as part
of the World Food Programme. All these vessels safely reached their
destinations without incident. The Group also provided humanitarian aid
and medical support to 2 vessels released by the pirates – and then
ensured they steamed to a safe port.
More dramatically, their presence and intervention prevented at least 12
hijackings, and this included detaining and disarming 79 pirates – and
an almost equal number of semi-automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled
Grenades, not including the weapons already jettisoned under pursuit. In
addition, they boarded 27 other vessels and conducted extensive
searches.
Has piracy been cured – no! However, in a period when the total number
of attacks has increased, the corresponding proportion of successful
attacks has reduced significantly. The success of the pirates reduced
from 19% in May 2008 to 9.5% twelve months later. To put this in
context, over 33,000 known vessels transit the Gulf of Aden each year
(and many more who do not report). In total, naval vessels of the
coalition forces are patrolling in excess of a million square miles of
ocean, extending through the Gulf of Aden to the vast emptiness of the
Somalian Basin.
It is not just the efforts of the international naval forces, the
shipping community should take some credit for their increased
awareness, and their instructions to their units on how to best avoid
pirates and taking evasive manoeuvres in the event of an attack. This
provides the time for naval forces to respond – and thwart any impending
hijack.
Commander Chris Davies, NATO’s maritime spokesman commented: “It is
clear that NATO has made life significantly more desperate for the
pirates – the statistics speak for themselves. There is still much to
do, and this is not a short term problem; only a positive solution to
the piracy strongholds ashore will deliver a lasting and secure
end-state!”
29 Jun 09
SNMG2 takes over Counter Piracy Operations from SNMG1
London:
Today saw the handover of responsibility from Standing NATO Maritime
Group 1 (SNMG1) to SNMG2 for conducting counter piracy operations off
Somalia as part of the ongoing Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR. The exchange
of responsibilities was conducted in the Red Sea to ensure a seamless
transition, maintaining the pressure on the pirates.
Having the two groups collocated is a relatively rare event, but the
importance of dealing with the threat to maritime security and stability
posed by the malignant piracy activity has called for continued
commitment from the international community including NATO which is at
the fore. By rotating the Standing Maritime Groups through the region, a
powerful NATO presence can be maintained in the Gulf of Aden and around
the Horn of Africa indefinitely, demonstrating the organisation’s
resolve to tackle the problem.
Rear Admiral José Pereira da Cunha (Portuguese Navy), Commander SNMG1,
has been in theatre for just over three months. During this period
numerous pirate attacks were thwarted, and pirates disarmed to prevent
further criminal activity. Approximately 30 vulnerable ships were
escorted ensuring safe passage through these dangerous waters, including
ships bringing vital food and supplies to Somalia.
Onboard his flagship NRP Côrte-Real, Pereira da Cunha summarized the
mission. "Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR demonstrates not only NATO’s
determination to counter piracy activities in the Horn of Africa
region,” he said, “but also represents the contribution by Allied
Nations and the common expression of the Alliances’ cohesion, vital to
the success of our efforts to combat today´s threats."
On his flagship, HMS Cornwall, the incoming Commander SNMG2, Commodore
Steve Chick (Royal Navy) said “The successes achieved against the
pirates over the last few months off the Horn of Africa by SNMG1 have
really demonstrated the effectiveness of NATO’s standing maritime
forces. Along with that of the other maritime forces in the region, the
combat power brought to bear by the Group has had a telling effect on
pirate activity, and the flexibility with which SNMG1 has taken to the
task is testament to the continued relevance of maritime forces in the
modern world.”
“By relieving SNMG1 in place,” Chick elaborated, “we are ready to build
upon their successes and provide continued protection to maritime
traffic in the region with our ability to mount sustained operations
away from our usual operating areas.”
Press Release
23 Jun 09
HNLMS Zeven Provincien aids MV Marathon released by pirates
HNLMS
De Zeven Provinciën, Somali Basin – Earlier today, the HNLMS De Zeven
Provinciën aided merchant vessel Marathon, which was released by pirates
last night. Immediately after release De Zeven Provinciën took MV
Marathon under her protection, to prevent further attempts at hijacking.
Both vessels are on their way from the Somali coast to a safe harbour.
Cdr Chris Davies, Chief Public Affairs Officer at MCC Northwood said; “
NATO is in the Gulf of Aden to deter and disrupt piracy attacks. In this
case we are delighted to provide whatever assistance and support we can
to the ship and its crew after their ordeal. We deplore this death but
understand that the families of the surviving crew members will be
pleased to know they will be returning home safely.”
The MV Marathon, a Dutch-owned ship, was hijacked on 7th May and her
crew have been held hostage since then. A boarding team from De Zeven
Provinciën boarded the vessel to provide first aid to the Ukrainian
crew. One of the crew members died as a result of an apparent gunshot
wound, which occurred when pirates violently boarded the vessel. A
second wounded crew member is receiving medical care, his condition is
stable. The Dutch warship also provided fresh water, food and fuel.
HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën, is currently deployed in the NATO counter
piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector. An operation in the Gulf of
Aden to protect merchant vessels against pirate attacks. During the last
few weeks she has escorted multiple vessels, including a World Food
Programme ship that supplied emergency relief goods for Somalia, a
country torn by civil war.Press
Release
22 Jun 09
NATO Flagship thwarts pirate attack
NRP
Corte-Real, Gulf of Aden – A NATO operation conducted by the Portuguese
frigate NRP Corte-Real resulted today in the disruption of a pirate
attack and the boarding of a confirmed pirate vessel - leading to the
seizure and disposal of weapons as well as the disruption of their
ability to conduct further attacks.
“We are under a pirate attack, we are under fire.”, the
Singapore-flagged MV Maersk Phoenix broadcast as it traveled west
through the world’s most dangerous shipping lane, 145 nautical miles
north-northeast of Boossaso, Somalia.
NATO’s
Portuguese flagship which was only 4 nautical miles away headed towards
the skiff. After a half-hour high-speed pursuit, she intercepted the
pirate skiff and boarded her. Warning shots, first to the air and
afterwards across the skiff bow were fired as loudhailers commanded the
Somalis to stop.
The boarding operation conducted by Portuguese Navy Special Forces was
conducted using one RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat)
with
the standoff su
pport
from NRP Corte-Real. After a detailed search, four automatic weapons
(AK-47), one RPG with three grenades, several bullet magazines and two
ladders were found on board.
The boarding was considered successful. After registration of the eight
suspect pirates and evidence collection, the boarding team confiscated
all weapons and other material used in piracy activity.
After
consulting the Portuguese national authorities, the pirates were
released. Any decision made regarding detention of suspect pirates falls
under national law. This applies to all ships in the NATO command of
whatever nation.
NRP Corte-Real is one of the four naval vessels within Standing NATO
Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and is currently conducting anti-piracy
operations in the Gulf of Aden, near Somalia. “Operation Allied
Protector” is a coordinated effort to deter piracy and armed robbery off
the coast of Somalia.
Press
Release
15 Jun 09
NRP Corte-Real rescued Indian Dhow held by pirates in the Somalia coast
Somali
Basin, 13th of June – NRP Corte-Real, currently deployed in a NATO
led counter-piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector, rescued 14 men
on an Indian Dhow held by pirates for 10 days after they were set free,
last night.
The Vishvakalyan was transporting charcoal from Brava, south of
Mogadishu in Somalia, to Sharjah, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates when
it was hijacked by Somali pirates on the 3rd of June. “The pirates
forced us to stop after wielding AK-47s and two rocket launchers
(RPGs)”, crew members said.
At
06:47 local time (LT), NRP Corte-Real detected the drifting Dhow in
distress
21 nautical miles from the coast, near Hobyo, Somalia, and approached
her to investigate her suspicious behavior. After several failed
attempts to establish communications the order to board the suspect Dhow
came from the SNMG1 Commander. Around 09:00 LT
the
Vishvakalyan was boarded and secured by the boarding team of the
Portuguese frigate and around 10:00 LT the medical team reached the dhow
in order to provide medical support to the crew - that besides general
weakness and malnourished, had physical complaints and some small
injuries caused by pirate’s aggression. During the first deployed
assistance the boarding party quickly detected that they were in lack of
fuel, food and water,
as
well as the bridge communications equipment were partially demolished.
At this moment, NRP Corte-Real is finishing the delivery of a small
scale humanitarian assistance at sea, providing medical, technical and
logistic support to Vishvakalyan and her crew, assuring that she will be
in good conditions to proceed to harbour.
“I want to express how proud I am of NRP Corte-Real’s action today. This
highlights the importance of our mission and the efforts to make the
difference with our coalition partners in the fight against piracy
around Somalia being capable of delivering humanitarian assistance at
sea”, RADM Pereira da Cunha said.
NRP Corte-Real is operating in the highest piracy risk area in the
world, and is one of the four naval ships within SNMG1 executing
counter-piracy operations in Somalia waters. Operation Allied Protector
is a coordinated international effort to deter piracy and armed robbery
off the coast of Somalia.
15 Jun 09
NATO Spanish Frigate F-103 “Blas de Lezo” assists a Dhow with 96 people
on board
Gulf
of Aden, 13th June – This morning, NATO Spanish Frigate F103 “Blas de
Lezo”, boarded and provided immediate assistance to a dhow probably
engaged in human trafficking near the International Recommended Transit
Corridor.
The dhow was noticed by a merchant vessel that was transiting eastwards
through the Gulf of Aden. Blas de Lezo launched her helicopter to locate
the dhow and quickly approached the reported vessel. Once on board the
dhow, 96 people were found of which 18 were women and 5 children.
One
13 year-old girl and one 30 year-old woman with her year-old baby were
transferred to the frigate; medical assistance was provided due to their
poor health. Food, water, some items for minor repairs, together with
critical medicine were provided to support the remainder of their
passage. Once assistance was completed, the boarding party was recovered
and the dhow was released. Yemen Coast Guard authorities were forewarned
about vessel’s intentions and thanked NATO initiative and support.
Commander Chris Davies, NATO’s maritime spokesman from MCC Northwood
stated: “These poor people were almost certainly being transported from
Somalia to Yemen, desperately searching for a new life. The Blas de Lezo
carried out an act of humanitarian assistance and ensured the Yemeni
coastguard was informed to take care of the dhow and its occupants when
it reached its Territorial Waters.”
Blas de Lezo is operating in the highest piracy risk area in the world,
and is one of the four naval ships within SNMG1 executing counter-piracy
operations in Somalia waters. Operation Allied Protector is a
coordinated international effort to deter piracy and armed robbery off
the coast of Somalia.
Press Release
12 Jun 09
NRP Corte Real escorts 2 World Food Program ships into Mogadishu (Somalia)
Somali
Basin – The Portuguese frigate, NRP Corte-Real, has successfully escorted
two ships chartered by the United Nations World Food Programme into
Mogadishu, Somalia ensuring that more than 15,000 tonnes of food safely
reaches its intended destination.
The Corte Real is currently deployed in the NATO counter-piracy mission,
Operation Allied Protector. WFP Country Director, Peter Goossens said;
“WFP is very grateful to the Portuguese Navy for protecting these two ships
against piracy on their trip to Mogadishu. The total of 20,500 tonnes of WFP
food aboard the vessels is enough to feed 1.23 million people for a month.”
With 8,000 tonnes of sorghum aboard, the MV Marwan H left Mombasa, Kenya on
6th June, and MV Bright Star left Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 7th June, after
loading 12,500 tonnes of WFP sorghum, and headed to a point 12 miles east of
Mombasa, where the Portuguese frigate was waiting in order to start her
escort along the threatening waters of the Somali coast. The NRP Corte-Real
is acting on behalf of a WFP appeal, submitted through NATO, to help protect
ships carrying life-saving assistance from pirate attacks. WFP aims to feed
3.5 million people in Somalia in 2009. Without assistance, many people will
starve and refugees will swamp neighbouring countries.
Cdr Chris Davies, Chief Public Affairs Officer at MCC Northwood said;
“Providing escort to WFP vessels is one of the ways in which NATO can make a
real difference. In order to render continued assistance the decision has
been made for NATO to remain in the area for the foreseeable future.”
WFP
is scaling up the number of people it reaches with food assistance in
Somalia. Some 95 percent of WFP food assistance for Somalia arrives by sea.
It’s expected for ships to deliver more than 220,000 tons of supplies by sea
to Somalia between June and December and, according to Goossens, “without
escorts, our whole maritime supply route will be threatened”.
On 10th June, NRP Corte-Real, finished her escort services upon the arrival
of MV Marwan H and MV Bright Star to Mogadishu, in the east coast of
Somalia.
Press Release
07 Jun 09
HNLMS Zeven Provinciën provides critical support to tug after ten months
under pirate control
Gulf
of Aden, June 6: SNMG1 Ship, HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën is escorting MV
Yenegoa Ocean following its release after being held captive by Somali
pirates for ten months by. Yesterday evening HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën
received the task to assist the tug following the news of its release.
Around 05:30 local time MV Yenegoa Ocean was secured by the Dutch boa
rding
team. Currently the Dutch frigate is providing logistical and medical
support to the Nigerian crew and will subsequently escort the tug to a safe
harbour. MV Yenegoa Ocean sails under a Panamanian flag and was hijacked on
4th August 2008 by Somali pirates. The tug was returning from Singapore
where it had untaken maintenance and routine repairs.
The Gulf of Aden currently has the highest risk of piracy anywhere in the
world, with approximately 20,000 to 30,000 ships passing through each year.
Recently, desperate pirate groups have shown the capability to operate up to
a distance of 500 miles from the Somali coast. NATO warships continue to
patrol these dangerous waters as part of the Counter Piracy mission,
Operation Allied Protector.
Press Release
02 Jun 09
Halyburton rejoins NATO Force
The American frigate, USS Halyburton has rejoined Standing NATO Maritime
Group 1 (SNMG1) on 1st June after spending time on national duties. This now
restores the NATO complement of ships back up to five.
Cdr Chris Davies, Chief Public Affairs Officer at MCC Northwood said, “NATO
ships are in the Gulf of Aden to defend, disrupt and protect against pirate
attacks. The arrival of USS Halyburton strengthens our mission and allows us
to be even more effective in deterring pirate attacks and ensuring safe
passage to all mariners to go about their lawful business.”
This comes on the same day that the Spanish frigate, ESPS Blas de Lezo, went
to the aid of a merchant vessel under attack from a pirate skiff in the Gulf
of Aden. Press Release
29 May 09
Counter piracy
operation: NATO and EU Commanders meet
London - Yesterday, 28th of May, while conducting counter-piracy operations
off the Horn of Africa, Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group One - RADM
José Domingos Pereira da Cunha, hosted, on board his Flagship, NRP
Côrte-Real, a coordination meeting with COMEUNAVFOR, Captain Juan Garat,
accompanied by some of his Staff Officers.
Press Release
27 May 09
Commander MCC Northwood visits SNMG1
On
23 May, Commander MCC Northwood visited NRP Corte Real, flagship of Standing
NATO Maritime Group 1, alongside in Muscat. R
ear
Admiral Jose Domingos Pereira da Cunha received Admiral Stanhope supported
by the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Antonio Manuel Goncalves Alexandre
and Chief of Staff Captain Carlo Rijckaert.
SNMG1 have been engaged with the NATO Counter Piracy mission, Operation
Allied Protector since 24 March. During this period they have actively i
ntervened
in a number of attempted hijack incidents and
undertaken over 20 escort missions. A typical skiff confiscated from the
pirates is shown in the accompanying photographs. The Portuguese detachment
of marines display their own equipment used to deter the heavily armed
pirates, themselves usually branding AK-47s and Rocket Propelled Grenades.
25 May 09
NATO Task Force disrupts pirate attack
HMCS
WINNIPEG, Gulf of Aden – Canadian frigate, HMCS Winnipeg boarded two pirate
skiffs loitering in the vicinity of the International Recommended Transit
Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden yesterday morning. A search of the
vessels resulted in the seizure a significant stock of piracy equipment
including arms and ammunition.
Shortly after 07:00 hrs local time, Winnipeg’s helicopter discovered the
suspicious vessels during a scheduled patrol flight. The two skiffs
dispersed and attempted to flee but were eventually stopped and boarded.
A search of the both skiffs revealed numerous firearms including a
semi-automatic pistol, two Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers with two
projectiles, an M16 assault rifle, seven AK47 assault rifles and a stock of
small arms ammunition. Included in
the seized items was a pirate-style hooked ladder that was discarded
during the chase but later recovered by Winnipeg’s crew.
“Although they committed no act of piracy of which we are aware, our
goal is to prevent piracy. By disarming these men we have neutralized their
capability to threaten shipping,” Ships captain, Commander Craig Baines,
said.
HMCS Winnipeg is one of the five naval vessels within Standing NATO
Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and is currently conducting counter-piracy
operations in the Gulf of Aden, near Somalia. NATO’s “Operation Allied
Protector” is a coordinated effort to deter piracy and armed robbery off the
coast of Somalia.
NATO is planning a longer term counter piracy operation off the coast of
Somalia in support of the international effort. Options are currently being
considered for a follow-on operation once SNMG1 complete their operational
deployment at the end of June. More details to follow from MCC Northwood.
Press Release
18 May 09
NATO Task Force disrupts pirate attack
HMCS
WINNIPEG, Gulf of Aden – The Canadian frigate, HMCS Winnipeg and her
organic helicopter likely deterred a pirate attack against the Maltese
cargo ship MV Sea Pride yesterday (17th May). She is part of the
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) which is conducting the counter
piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector in the Gulf of Aden.
Press Release
15 May 09
NATO warship ensures food ship arrives in Berbera
Gulf of Aden – NRP Côrte Real, currently deployed on the NATO counter
piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector, has provided a naval escort
to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) ship, MV Fidel,
ensuring that it arrived safely in Berbera earlier today, 14th May.
Commander SNMG1, Rear Admiral José Domingos Pereira da Cunha said: “I am
pleased to help ensure that the people of Somalia receive the food and
supplies they so urgently need. Naval escorts have been provided by
NATO, helping to ward off the threat of piracy.”
Press Release
01 May 09
NATO Task Force disrupts pirate
attack, boards mothership
NRP
Côrte-Real, Gulf of Aden – A NATO operation conducted by the Portuguese
Frigate NRP Côrte-Real and her organic helicopter resulted today in the
disruption of a pirate attack attempt and the boarding of a confirmed
pirate mother-ship - leading to the seizure and disposal of weapons and
equipment as well as the disruption of their ability to conduct further
attacks. Press
Release
29 Apr 09
NATO visit Karachi
Northwood,
UK - Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) has just fulfilled a long
term commitment to visit Karachi, Pakistan, a key strategic partner in
counter terrorism operations. Four NATO ships spent 24 hours alongside,
completed a busy official programme, and then returned to sea to work
with the Pakistan Navy, rejoining FGS Spessart, the German replenishment
tanker which had remained at anchor.
Rear Admiral M Asif Sandila, Commander Pakistan Naval Forces welcomed
Rear Admiral José Domingos Pereira da Cunha, Commander of SNMG1 and
exchanged gifts. Rear Admiral da Cunha then met Commodore Jamil Akhtar,
Chief Staff Officer to the Commander Pakistan Fleet and held a joint
press conference onboard the Portuguese flagship, Corte Real at Karachi
Port.
Pictures of the
visit and
exercise.
Press
Release
27 Apr 09
NATO returns to counter piracy mission
NATO
ships will resume their counter piracy mission earlier than planned and
will make their way back to the Gulf of Aden this week.
With the great increase in pirate attacks, and the ensuing international
concern, NATO's recent contribution to the international counter piracy
effort has been significant. NATO nations have revised their plan for
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), cancelling their port visits to
Singapore and Australia and directed the Group to continue its important
counter piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector, in the Gulf of Aden
and off the Horn of Africa. This mission will now patrol these dangerous
waters until 28 June.
Press Release
21 Apr 09
Skiffs and Dhows while escorting SRV BBC Shangai
On
21 April 2009 while escorting
the SRV BBC SHANGHAI, the
NRP Corte Real had an encounter with several dhows and skiffs. While
transiting through the corridor the crew of the Corte Real took some
pictures to show that
is not easy to see the difference between pirates and fishermen
while escorting MV’s (these dhows and skiffs were assessed as fishing
dhows/skiffs).
Pictures taken from NRP Corte Real
20 Apr 09
NATO Task Force foils hostile pirates
HMCS
WINNIPEG, Gulf of Aden – A NATO-led coordinated operation by ships and
helicopters of different Task Forces resulted in the boarding of a
confirmed pirate vessel, the disruption of their ability to conduct
attacks and the seizure and disposal of equipment to carry out their
attacks.
Press Release
16 Apr 09
HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën escorts MV Ponmudi to safe waters.
The
Netherlands frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën has completed her escort
duties, safely guiding the Indian merchantman MV Ponmudi westward through
the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). As the vessels parted
on their separate journeys, the master of the Ponmudi expressed his deep
gratitude for the trouble-free passage through some of the most dangerous
waters in the world. Meanwhile the HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën continues her
duties with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, conducting the counter-piracy
mission, Operation Allied Protector
More Pictures
06 Apr 09
HMCS Winnipeg joins
NATO counter piracy operation
On 3rd April, Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), Rear
Admiral José Domingos Pereira da Cunha met the Commanding Officer of
HMCS Winnipeg, Cdr Craig Baines and welcomed the crew as they joined
NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector.
Press Release
06 Apr 09
Ship's crew visit
charity in Djibouti
During a port visit to Djibouti, crew members from the Spanish frigate
ESPS Blas de Lezo took the opportunity to visit Caritas, the
international association of charity facilities.
ESPS Blas de Lezo is part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1)
which is in the Gulf of Aden conducting the counter piracy mission,
Operation Allied Protector and was in Djibouti to replenish supplies and
for crew rest. Press
Release
02 Apr 09
NATO liaison with Indian Navy
Rear
Admiral José Domingos Pereira da Cunha, Commander Standing NATO Maritime
Group One (SNMG1) was hosted on board the Indian Naval Ship Betwa on 1st
April.
SNMG1 have recently arrived in the area as part of NATO’s counter piracy
mission, Operation Allied Protector. Cooperation and coordination
between the European Union Naval Force and the multinational task force
CTF 151 have been an early highlight, with all three working together
seamlessly, both at operational level between headquarters and, more
importantly, at sea.
INS
Betwa, under the command of Captain RJ Nadkarni, is currently working in
the Gulf of Aden providing escort to Indian merchant vessels transiting
the region. The visit by SNMG1 was aimed at seeking closer cooperation
with the other national forces currently in the Area of Operations – all
nations working towards the common goal of securing safe and secure
passage on the world’s oceans. Furthermore it supports NATO’s case for
operating out of area more frequently and further afield, especially
promoting interoperability and providing mutual support to each other.
Press Release
02 Apr 09
Expanded role for NATO Shipping Centre
Since the start of the NATO counter piracy mission, Operation Allied
Protector in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa, the NATO
Shipping Centre (NSC) has seen a 20% increase in position and movement
reports coming in from ships sailing through the area. The reports are
based on a voluntary reporting system covering the Mediterranean,
expanded to include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in November 2008.
Full
Story
29 Mar 09
A Case of Mistaken
Identity
Sunday 29 March was a bad day at the office for pirates and their illegal
activity in the Gulf of Aden
– when those chose the wrong target. What appeared to be easy prey turned
out to be FGS Spessart, a naval supply ship and an element of EU NAVFOR.
Press Release
Movie Clip
29 Mar 09
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 cooperates with Yemeni Coastguard
Today,
March 29th, FGS SPESSART, a German tanker providing logistics support to
multinational forces operating in the Gulf of Aden, spotted a suspicious
skiff which appeared to be approaching SPESSART. NRP CORTE REAL, the
Portuguese flagship of SNMG1 and the nearest frigate in the area, was
notified and closed to provide support. Upon investigation CORTE REAL
determined that the Somalian skiff was involved in illegal immigration with
39 people onboard the small boat including one child and 10 women, one of
whom was pregnant.
More
pictures (embedded in Word)
Press Release
29 Mar 09
Standing
NATO Maritime Group 1
disrupt piracy attack off the Horn of Africa
Yesterday afternoon, March 28th, forces from Standing
NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) disrupted a piracy attack while conducting
the counter-piracy
Operation Allied Protector off the Horn of
Africa.
Press
Release
26 Mar 09
SNMG1 ships have now arrived in the Gulf of Aden and
commenced their anti-piracy operation, OPERATION ALLIED
PROTECTOR, on 24th March.
The NRP Corte Real, USS Halyburton and SPS Blas de Lezo are already
patrolling the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and they
will be joined by HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën on 27th March.
All four ships are there to defend, disrupt and protect against pirate
attacks and to enhance stability with the IRTC.
20 Mar 09
NATO ships transit Suez
Canal en-route to counter piracy operation
Press Release
Pictures
Five
ships, from four NATO navies, transited the Suez Canal yesterday on their way to conduct counter
piracy operations in the Gulf region.
Earlier this month, the North Atlantic
Council (NAC) has agreed that NATO will contribute to international
community efforts to counter piracy off the Horn of Africa.
OPERATION ALLIED PROTECTOR aims to enhance
the safety of commercial maritime routes and international navigation in
the area.
Standing NATO Maritime Group ONE (SNMG1),
will conduct maritime operations off the
Horn of Africa in order to counter piracy attacks, and to help deter,
defend against and disrupt pirate activities in the area of operations,
in conjunction and coordination with other nations and organizations
involved.
The five ships expected to participate are:
·
NRP Côrte Real (flagship, Portugal)
·
HMCS Winnipeg (Canada)
·
HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën (Netherlands)
·
ESPS Blas de Lezo (Spain)
·
USS Halyburton (United
States of America)
The SNMG1 Task Force will begin its
mission upon arrival in the area of operations, later this month.
11 Mar 09
NATO
will resume counter piracy operations off the Horn of Africa later this
month after the North Atlantic Council (NAC) gave final approval for the
mission. OPERATION ALLIED PROTECTOR is NATO’s continuing contribution to
international community efforts to enhance the safety of commercial maritime
routes and international navigation in the area.
Five NATO ships will assist in international efforts to deter, defend
against, and disrupt pirate activities off the Horn of Africa. The ships,
part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) under the command of
Portuguese Rear Admiral Jose Pereira da Cunha, will start their duties at
the end of March.
SHAPE
Press Release
MANW
Press Release
Key areas where NATO can make a difference :
-
Conduct surveillance and mount a deterrent
naval presence.
-
Defend, disrupt and protect against pirate
attacks; including boarding operations on suspected pirate or armed
robber vessels.
-
Establish ad-hoc cooperation and coordination with non-NATO
organisations operating in the area of operations.
-
Enhance stability within the International Recommended Transit
Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden.
-
If requested and authorised, provide naval escort to humanitarian
aid supply or other vessels.